by | | 2017 Mid-Market 500, News
In the fast-paced, rapidly evolving world of the mid-market, turnover happens– even at the board level. Growth means change, and agility means staying on your feet as your company faces the unexpected and current board members say goodbye.
If you’re a director or company leader and you need board members to occupy your seats—due to growth, mergers, departures, or anything else—CEO Connection can help. We maintain ties with a vast network of elite business professionals and industry experts. If you need a certain set of qualifications and/or an explicit alignment of values and goals, we can connect you to a seasoned leader with strong interest in the role.
Pay No Recruitment Fee
This is one of the core benefits of CEO Connection membership. You won’t pay a recruitment fee to connect with a network of experienced CEOs who have the skills, time, and knowledge you need. Just contact us, explain what you’re looking for, and we’ll connect you.
CEOs In Search of Board Seats
Meanwhile, CEO Connection members who are actively searching for board seats are invited to participate in our exclusive, interactive How to Get on a Board Workshops in San Francisco (June 26th) and Miami (December 4th). Engage in small group sessions with up to eleven other CEOs and learn how to best position yourself to join a board and thrive in the role. You will leave each session with a personalized plan to identify your goals, pursue open opportunities, and step into your next board position.
Learn more here.
by | | 2017 Mid-Market 500, News
May Issue:
Housing demand in the United States remains brisk even as issues with supply and affordability mount, particularly in the West. RSM US forecasts solid sales and consumption throughout the economy this year, with housing starts sustained near their current level of 1.25 million at an annualized pace.
The Real Economy also offers a look at government resources available to companies for cyber reporting, provided by U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Finally, examine how growing trade tensions with China are impacting some middle market companies’ supply chains. Download the full issue for access to all insights.
About The Real Economy
The US middle market makes up nearly 40 percent of the country’s economy and employs one-third of its workforce, yet this economic growth engine is often overlooked. As the leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services to middle market businesses, RSM wants to change the conversation.
The Real Economy is a monthly publication to help the middle market anticipate and address the unique issues and challenges facing their businesses and the industries in which they operate. Written by RSM’s chief economist, Joe Brusuelas, and including the insights of professionals throughout the firm, The Real Economy is RSM’s answer to making sure the unique needs and opportunities of this important segment of our economy are given the attention they deserve.
by | | 2017 Mid-Market 500, News
Is your company currently engaged in philanthropic giving? Maybe you have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative or a workplace giving platform for your company and employees. Or maybe you’re interested because you’re tired of supporting nonprofits in an unorganized fashion, not receiving the recognition deserved for charitable support, or your employees don’t feel engaged with your corporate philanthropy. Perhaps it’s time to look into other opportunities?
Donor Advised Funds are a great option that allow for both corporate and employee philanthropy, satisfying both parties while increasing employee retention and customer recognition. Below is a summary of the benefits of the three top options and how they can benefit your company:
- Corporate/Donor Advised Fund
- Direct Giving Program
- Corporate Foundation
Option 1: The Best of All Worlds – Corporate Advised Funds
With Corporate Advised Funds, “I have seen companies truly deepen employee engagement and loyalty and even attract a wider client base,” said Scott Jackson, CEO of Global Impact.
Accordingly, he is offering a special package for CEO Connection members called Growfund that allows companies to easily set up a DAF. This philanthropic giving option is called a Corporate Advised Fund (a type of Donor Advised Fund or DAF). It allows your company to reap the benefits of a traditional Direct Giving Program and a Corporate Giving Program. Traditionally these were established through a Community Foundation, but times have changed. DAFs are now an inexpensive and easy way to create a Corporate Foundation and include your employees. DAFs are established for each employee and integrated with the company foundation.
DAF benefits for employees:
- The company matches gifts. Employees can contribute to their own DAF, or to a separate company account.
- Contributions are immediately tax deductible.
- The funds can be invested and grow in value until distribution to a registered nonprofit.
- Distributions can be made at any time to any registered nonprofit.
Option 2: Direct Giving Program
Another approach is to establish a Direct Giving Program (or “workplace giving”). Direct Giving Programs are not separate legal entities and do not allow the employee to save or accumulate money to later direct towards a nonprofit. Funding flows from corporate and employee contributions, and funds are usually dispersed to employee-selected charities or to local community organizations. Corporate Foundations (see below) and corporate Direct Giving Programs are usually closely tied to the company’s business interest, but this is not a requirement.
Option 3: Corporate Foundation
A Corporate Foundation is another form of corporate giving. A Corporate Foundation is a separate legal entity from the corporation, which maintains close ties with the company and follows the laws governing private foundations. Funding for the Corporate Foundation flows from the parent company and can be invested until distributed.
One of the benefits of establishing a corporate foundation is the ability to spread the ups and downs of yearly profits contributed to the foundation over good and bad years. Thus, philanthropic support can be leveled out even during bad economic times. Here, the foundation will receive requests for support versus the C-Suite leadership receiving them. Replying to solicitations for support can be time-consuming and sometimes awkward for mid-market companies. As a separate legal entity, the foundation can relieve the executive of this burden. Contributions made to the foundation are tax deductible.
Summary of Options
In summary, establishing a Corporate Foundation allows a mid-market company to strategically develop a corporate philanthropic initiative. This initiative can be centered on a CSR issue or conceived as a broader, community-focused tool for giving. Corporate Direct Giving Programs generate employee participation but limit the direct corporate engagement. Donor Advised Funds combine the best of both. DAFs allow corporate and employee philanthropy tailored to the needs and desires of both parties—thus generating increased company recognition and increased employee satisfaction.
Click here to learn more about the Growfund DAF program for CEO Connection member companies.
by | | 2017 Mid-Market 500, News
For executives running a business, regardless of its size or type, the need to innovate has been touted as the route to growth. For mid-market companies, there is more pressure than ever. Not only do they compete with larger corporations, but now there is a constant influx of startups and entrepreneurs pushing to do what they do, but better.
So does that mean companies need to develop a new product to be competitive?
Ron Totaro, chair of CEO Connection’s Innovation Committee and current interim CEO, advisor and board member for fintech and SaaS-enabled private equity portfolio companies, says that what mid-market companies need to remember is that “innovation” does not have to mean creating the next big thing.
“There is a misconception that innovation means creating new products,” says Totaro. “The reality is that innovation can manifest itself in many ways. Innovation could be improving customer experience: something as simple as switching from paper invoicing to electronic invoicing. Now clients get their invoices faster, they are easier to file, and perhaps they include more information, such as how their money is being spent. If you improve relationships and retention rates through new processes, you are innovating.”
Even making changes your customers can’t see can be the difference. Streamlining your back office and customer care, and leveraging technology through e-commerce capabilities can make your company stand out to your existing customers and give you the bandwidth to reach an even wider prospect base.
If new products are the place you want to innovate, Totaro says the market is ripe for that as well. But, “You don’t have to create everything within your four walls.”
“So much can be purchased or partnered with others to build,” he says. “License technologies, creating interesting partnerships with two-way value.”
As an example of those strategies, Totaro recommends CEO Connection’s Angel Investor Network for mid-market companies looking for an opportunity to invest in innovation. In partnership with incubators including Wharton/Penn Ventures and Invest In Canada, the Network leverages the combined resources of the mid-market. It provides mid-market companies with vetted, quality deal-flow opportunities for consideration throughout the year. The entrepreneurs and startups are sourced in part through alliance partners with some of the world’s top universities.
“I don’t know of any other entity that has a forum like the Angel Investor Network, created specifically for the mid-market,” says Totaro. “Having that kind of access is invaluable, regardless of industry. Startups that are trying to be disruptive in cloud deployment, customer service, digital marketing… you get to see creative ways that new problems are being solved.”
Members of the Angel Investor Network automatically gain access to CEOC’s Innovation Committee. The Innovation Committee meets once a quarter to collaborate, sharing insights and ideas across core innovation topics. Members are also invited to the Business Plan Showcase, held in conjunction with the annual Mid-Market Convention, where they can meet with vetted investors and review investment opportunities.
As staying ahead of the curve becomes an ever-present focus of corporate growth and profit, this access is even more valuable.
“Seeing companies that are are expressing new ways to go about business [through the Angel Investor Network] helps you think more broadly about how your business runs,” says Totaro. “Every company needs to continually reinvent itself, and those that don’t are going to fall behind.”
For more information on CEO Connection’s Angel Investor Network, email angelnetwork@ceoconnection.com
See Ron Totaro’s LinkedIn Profile
by | | Growth
The mid-market is unique — too big to be small, and too small to be big. Mid-market companies must go out of their way to adapt, grow, and to continually meet the needs of their clients in an ever-changing marketplace. Each year, CEO Connection’s Mid-Market Awards recognize one mid-market CEO who represents the vision, generosity, and values we associate with effective and inspiring mid-market leadership.
The 2018 Mid-Market CEO of the Year, chosen by his peers, is Dr. Paul T. Decker, CEO of Mathematica Policy Research.
As the President and CEO of Mathematica Policy Research, Decker stands at the helm of a growing nonpartisan research organization dedicated to public well-being. Dr. Decker oversees more than 1,200 research and data analytics experts as they design studies and collaborate with decision-makers across the public and private sectors.
“I’m humbled to be recognized by CEO Connection and especially honored that this award comes just as Mathematica is celebrating 50 years of helping our clients use data to make a difference,” said Paul Decker. “It is an exciting time to be leading Mathematica into new areas of work, and to be a part of the community of mid-market companies who are driving innovation across the country and around the world.”
Decker holds an undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and a PhD from Johns Hopkins University. He has dedicated his career to the design and implementation of studies focusing on education and workforce development programs, including examining links between education and worker productivity.
Since joining Mathematica in 1988, Decker has climbed the ranks and currently serves as the company’s CEO and President. In that role, he has testified before Congress and served on advisory boards for a long list of government and academic institutions. Decker’s peer-reviewed studies can be found in a number of professional publications, including: Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Journal of Human Resources, and Economic Studies Quarterly.
Dr. Decker’s efforts to expand Mathematica’s reach and impact have led to the creation of dedicated research centers, and have helped policymakers tackle some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Outside of Mathematica, he speaks and writes prolifically on trends in the policy research and public programs fields, including the emerging impact of Big Data. Decker is also the Chair of the CEO Connection Government Relations Committee.
Candidates for CEO of the Year are nominated from the community at large, before being referred to the selection committee that reviews and selects finalists. A second committee, comprised of all living prior award recipients, makes the final award selection. Previous CEOs of the Year include Blake Irving of GoDaddy (2017), Ganesh Ayyar of Mphasis (2016), and Lars Bjork of Qlik (2015).
CEO Connection is pleased to recognize Dr. Decker as the 2018 Mid-Market CEO of the Year. Join us to celebrate his selection for this award, along with other award recipients and guests at the 2018 Mid-Market Convention Awards Dinner on September 25, 2018 at the Wharton School.
